Autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system

ABSTRACT

An autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system includes a set of one or more self-standing rechargeable lighting fixtures (luminaries) removably supported on a recharging and support member. The luminaries each include a light diffusor that may resemble a-that turn on when removed from the recharging and support member. The luminaries may also turn on when power to the recharging and support member is turned off, turning the luminaries on automatically as during a power failure. The luminaries may each be inductively coupled to the recharging and support member, which enables to provide an aesthetically pleasing interface free of electrical contacts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of allowed U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/292,007, filed Nov. 9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,819,080 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/885,848, filed Jun. 20, 2001, U.S. Pat. No. 6,479,965, ofthe same inventive entity as herein, both incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to the field of illumination, and moreparticularly, to a novel rechargeable lamp system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Candles may be moved and placed to provide illumination and/or ambience.While their utilitarian and aesthetic advantages are well-known, candlessuffer from an undesirable self-consumption, needing to be replaced whenused-up; produce smoke especially when snuffed, which may foul the air;require vigilant attendance to mitigate an ever-present fire hazard; aresusceptible to being extinguished by gusts of air when used outdoors ormoved around; and may give rise to undesirable wax build-up, which inmany instances needs removed from candle support members or underlyingstructures.

There is thus a need to provide a rechargeable lamp system that enjoysthe many utilitarian and aesthetic advantages of candles but is notsubject to their disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly a general object of the present invention to disclosea rechargeable lamp system that provides candle-like lighting for indooror outdoor use that avoids the problems associated with candles.

In accordance therewith, the autoilluminating rechargeable lamp systemof the present invention includes a recharging platter adapted toreceive a set of luminaries including a first circuit coupled to eachluminary of said set of luminaries received thereon operative inresponse to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to eachluminary of said set of luminaries received thereon; and a set ofluminaries each having a light emitting element connected to arechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode tocharge said rechargeable battery pack in response to said charge signalwhen each luminary of said set of luminaries is received on saidrecharging platter and operative in another mode to activate said lightemitting element in response to the absence of said signal, whereby,each said luminary lights if removed from said recharging platter andlights if no AC power is supplied to said recharging platter whenreceived therein.

In the presently preferred embodiments, the set of luminaries includesone or more luminaries each of which is inductively coupled to the firstcircuit of the recharging platter. The inductive coupling providesautomatic, hands-free recharging of the rechargeable battery pack of aluminary upon its receipt by the recharging platter, and providesautomatic, hands-free actuation of a luminary when it is removedtherefrom.

In the presently preferred embodiments, each luminary of the set ofluminaries is self-standing and includes a diffusor that may be shapedto resemble a candle releasably mounted to a base member supporting saidlight emitting element therewithin.

In further accordance therewith, the autoilluminating rechargeable lampsystem of the present invention includes a wall mountable charging baseadapted to support a set of luminaries including a first circuit coupledto each luminary of said set of luminaries supported thereon operativein response to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to eachluminary of said set of luminaries supported thereon; and a set ofluminaries each having a light emitting element connected to arechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode tocharge said rechargeable battery pack in response to said charge signalwhen each luminary of said set of luminaries is supported thereon andoperative in another mode to activate said light emitting element inresponse to the absence of said signal, whereby, each said luminarylights if removed from said wall mountable charging base and lights ifno AC power is supplied to said wall mountable charging base whensupported thereon.

In the presently preferred embodiments, the wall mountable charging basemay be plugged directly into an AC wall outlet and/or mounted adjacentan AC wall outlet by any suitable mounting hardware.

In further accordance therewith, the autoilluminating rechargeable lampsystem of the present invention includes a charging base adapted tosupport a set of luminaries including a first circuit coupled to eachluminary of said set of luminaries supported thereon operative inresponse to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to eachluminary of said set of luminaries supported thereon; a sensor toprovide a seat signal representative that each luminary of said set ofluminaries is supported on said charging base; and a set of luminarieseach having a light emitting element connected to a rechargeable batterypack via a second circuit operative in one mode to charge saidrechargeable battery pack in response to said charge signal when eachluminary of said set of luminaries is supported thereon and operative inanother mode to activate said light emitting element in response to theabsence of said seat signal, whereby, each said luminary lights ifremoved from said charging base and does not light if no AC power issupplied to said charging base when supported thereon.

In the presently preferred embodiments, the charging base may beprovided with a removable cover that protects the luminaries duringcharging, storage, and a handle that aids in transit.

In further accordance therewith, the autoilluminating rechargeable lampsystem of the present invention includes a charger member adapted to besupported by a surface and further adapted to receive a set ofluminaries such that each luminary of the set of luminaries is supportedon said support and in such a way that the charger at least partiallysurrounds a part of each luminary of the set of luminaries including afirst circuit coupled to each luminary of said set of luminariesreceived thereby operative in response to supplied AC power to provide acharge signal to each luminary of said set of luminaries receivedthereby; and a set of luminaries each having a light emitting elementconnected to a rechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operativein one mode to charge said rechargeable battery pack and to de-lightsaid light emitting element in response to detection of said chargesignal when each luminary of said set of luminaries is received therebyand operative in another mode to activate said light emitting element inresponse to the absence of said signal, whereby, each said luminarylights if removed from said charger and de-lights when received thereby.The charger and luminaries are relatively movable so that the chargermaybe removed from the set of luminaries while remaining on the supportcausing each luminary to light.

In one presently preferred embodiment, each luminary of the set ofluminaries includes a diffusor releasably mounted to a base. A lightsupport carried by the base allows replacement of the light emittingelement and a rechargeable battery compartment carried by the baseallows replacement of the rechargeable battery. In the presentlypreferred embodiments, the light support and battery compartment areadapted to allow manual light element and rechargeable batteryreplacement, and the diffusor is manually releasably mounted to thebase, although light mechanical action could be employed to provide easeof light element and rechargeable battery replacement without departingfrom the inventive concepts. Multiple light emitting elements andcorresponding supports may be provided for light animation effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantageous features and inventive aspects ofthe present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, showing a charging stand and one lamp module;

FIG. 2 is a top view of tie charging stand;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the charging stand;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the charging stand;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the charging stand, taken along line 5-5of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the charging stand, taken along line 6-6of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the charging stand circuit;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of alamp module according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the lamp module;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the lamp module;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the lamp module;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the lamp module;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the lamp module taken along line 13-13 ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the lamp module taken along line 14-14 ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the lamp module taken along line 15-15 ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagram of the lampmodule circuit board according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing a wall mountable charging base and four lampmodules;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing a wall plug mountable charging base andsingle lamp modules;

FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing a carrier/charging base and eight lampmodules;

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view showing one module-to-carrier/charging baseinterface;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are block diagrams respectively of exemplarycarrier/charging base and lamp module circuitry;

FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, showing mutually movable charger and lamp members;and

FIG. 24 in the FIGS. 24A-C thereof are pictorial diagrams of onepresently preferred lamp module according to the present inventionproviding ease of lamp and rechargeable battery replacement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally refers to therechargeable lamp system of the present invention. Lamp system 10comprises a charging stand 12 and a plurality of lamp modules 110, 111,112 and 114.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, stand 12 comprises slots 16, 18, 20 and 22which are each adapted to removably receive one of said lamp modules110, 111, 112 and 114. Slots 16, 18, 20 and 22 each include a respectivecylindrical wall 38, 40, 42, and 44 and a substantially planar floor 46,48, 50 and 52.

A power cord 24 having an inline power switch 26 and a “wall-block”style transformer provides power to charging stand 12 via ordinary120-volt household current. In alternate embodiments, the transformermay be dispensed with.

As will be described in greater detail herein, each of modules 110, 111,112 and 114 is battery-powered and designed to be charged by magneticinduction when placed in a respective one of slots 16, 18, 20 and 22.Modules 110, 111, 112 and 114 are each designed to illuminate whenremoved from slots 16, 18, 20 and 22, or when AC power is cut off tocharging stand 12.

The number of lamp modules (and a corresponding slot for each module)shown in the preferred embodiment is intended to be merely exemplary. Itshould be understood that the lamp system 10 of the present inventionmay be constructed with any number of modules.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, stand 12 also includes an upper portion 30and a lower portion 32. In an exemplary embodiment, upper portion 30 isceramic. However, upper portion 30 may be made from other suitablematerials, such as wood or plastic. In the interest of economy, lowerportion 32 in the exemplary embodiment is formed of injection-moldedplastic, but may as well be made of other suitable materials, such assteel or other metal or other material. In the exemplary embodiment,upper portion 30 and lower portion 32 snap together. However, anysuitable means, such as bonding, screws, etc. could be used to secureupper portion 30 and lower portion 32.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, stand 12 further includes a circuit board58 which is hard-wired to cord 24 and four primary induction coils(wired in parallel), one coil encircling each of walls 38, 40, 42 and44, respectively. FIG. 5 shows a pair of primary induction coils 54 and56 that encircle walls 44 and 42, respectively. Identical primary coils(not shown) encircle walls 38 and 40.

FIG. 7 shows the circuit formed by transformer 28, inline power switch26, and primary induction coil 54. As shown in FIG. 7, transformer 28converts 120 volts AC to 12 volts AC. The three other primary inductioncoils, not shown, are preferably wired in parallel with primaryinduction coil 54. In other embodiments, the transformer component canbe replaced by the inductor coils (on the platter and luminaries), whoseturn-ratios are selected to provide a stepped-down voltage to the lamps.As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, an oscillatorproviding frequencies higher than line frequency may be employed toimprove efficiency (inductor size and attendant cost).

Modules 110, 111 and 112 are identical to module 114. Thus, it will onlybe necessary to describe module 114 in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 8-16, module 114 comprises a diffuser 116, a lightbulb 118, a battery pack 120, a circuit board 122, a secondary inductioncoil 124 and a base 126.

Diffuser 116 in the exemplary embodiment is formed of blow-moldedplastic (or glass) having a frosted outer surface 142. It could also beinjection-molded plastic with a frosted, translucent finish. In theexemplary embodiment, diffuser 116 is slender and elongated in shape andincludes a mid-section 146 that tapers upwardly to a tip 144 and tapersslightly to a tail 148. This shape is chosen to provide optimal lightcolor and transmission, as well as even diffusion of light from bulb118. Obviously, numerous alternative shapes for diffuser 116 arepossible. However, the internal volume created by diffuser 116 must besufficient to envelop bulb 118, battery pack 120 and circuit board 122.In addition, because of the heat generated by bulb 118, it is desirableto provide air space between bulb 118 and diffuser 116 to preventdiffuser 118 from melting or deforming.

Base 126 comprises a lower portion 128 that provides stable support formodule 114 when placed on a level surface or within slot 16. Neck 130 isadapted to removably receive diffuser 116 (to enable access to bulb 118and battery pack 120). Neck 130 includes tabs 134, 136, 138 and 140 anda lip 135 that cooperate to secure tail 148 of module 114 to neck 130(see FIGS. 8, 13 and 14).

Battery pack 120 in the exemplary embodiment comprises three “AA”Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cad) cells wrapped in PVC shrink-wrap and having atotal output of 3.6 Vdc and 500-800 mA. Of course, other types and sizesof rechargeable cells, such as Nickel-Metal-Hydride or Lithium cells,could be substituted for the Ni-Cad cells. Such cells would provide morepower, and charge more quickly than Ni-Cads, but are substantially moreexpensive.

The power requirements for bulb 118 are, of course, chosen to match thepower output of battery pack 120. In the exemplary embodiment, bulb 118is a conventional miniature incandescent bulb, such as Chicago MiniatureLamp, Inc. part # CM1738, having an output of 1 candela and havingdesign power requirements of 2.80V and 60 mA and an expected life of6,000 hours. Of course, other lamps and types of light sources, such asa light-emitting diode (L.E.D.) may be substituted for bulb 118. Theincandescent bulb shown is preferred because of its balance of cost,heat generation, power consumption, expected service life and brightnesscharacteristics.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, bulb 118 and battery pack 120 arepreferably hard-wired to circuit board 122. As shown in FIG. 16, circuitboard 122 comprises four primary circuits that control the charging ofbattery pack 120 and the lighting of bulb 118.

A charging circuit 150 regulates the voltage and current flowing tobattery pack 120 from secondary induction coil 124 to prevent damage tobattery pack 120. A latch circuit 154 cuts off current to bulb 118 whenthe voltage output of battery pack 120 drops below 3.1 volts, thuspreventing damage to battery pack 120 which could be caused by fullydraining battery pack 120. A charge-sensing switch 156 works incooperation with latch circuit 154 to turn off current to bulb 118 whencurrent is detected in charging circuit 150. A constant current sourcecircuit 152 provides a constant flow of current (65 mA in the exemplaryembodiment) to bulb 118. This enables bulb 118 to shine at a constantbrightness despite fluctuations in the output current from battery pack120. In alternate embodiments, a constant voltage source could beemployed.

As described above, battery pack 120 is charged by magnetic induction.The magnetic field created by primary induction coil 54 (when current isapplied) induces a current in secondary induction coil 124 whensecondary induction coil 124 is concentrically located relative toprimary induction coil 54. In the present invention, this occurs whenmodule 114 is placed within slot 16 (see FIG. 1).

It is preferable to ship battery pack 120 fully charged, as this willincrease the shelf life of the Ni-Cad cells. However, shipping batterypack 120 fully charged requires the inclusion of means for electricallyisolating battery pack 120 from lamp 118 between the time battery pack120 is charged and when module 114 is first used by an end consumer.Such means could comprise a Mylar tab (not shown) inserted between twoelectrical contacts after the initial charging which would be removed bythe consumer before first use. Alternatively, such means could comprisea fusible link (not shown). The fusible link would be adapted to closecurrent regulating circuit 152 when current is sensed in chargingcircuit 150 (i.e., the first time the consumer plugs in charging stand12).

Operation of lamp system 10 is elegantly straightforward. As describedabove, bulb 118 is designed to illuminate when no current is sensed incharging circuit 150. Thus, bulb 118 will automatically turn on whenmodule 114 is removed from slot 16. Charging stand 12 and module 114 canalso function as a table lamp by leaving module 114 in slot 16 andswitching off inline power switch 26. Module 114 also functions as anemergency light—automatically turning on during a power failure.

Referring now to FIG. 17, reference numeral 200 generally refers toanother exemplary embodiment of the rechargeable lamp system of thepresent invention. Lamp system 200 comprises a wall mountable chargingbase generally designated 202 and four lamp modules generally designated204. The number of lamp modules shown in the preferred embodiment isintended to be merely exemplary. It should be understood that the lampsystem 200 of the present invention may be constructed with any numberof modules.

As shown, the wall mountable charging base 202 comprises projections 206spaced laterally apart a distance larger than the width of each lampmodule 204, and each lamp module 204 comprises an opening thereinthroughgenerally designated 208 adjacent to its top surface. The projections206 cooperate with the openings 208 to removably support the lampmodules 204 on the wall mountable charging base 202. Projections 206 andopenings 208 are each of generally cylindrical geometry, althoughprojections and openings of another geometry or other removablesupporting means may be employed without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

Each projection has a free end, and a diffuser 210 is removably orfixedly mounted to the free end over an LED and ambient light sensormounted thereon not shown, that switches the LED “on” in response to acondition of ambient darkness, Each lamp module 204 has a flat base 212and a front face diffuser 214 that extends from top to bottom andsurrounds the opening 208. The flat base 212 enables to place each lampmodule 204 on a shelf or table and the opening 208 allows it to becarried about or hung on a hook to provide illumination in a widevariety of situations.

A power cord 216 having an inline power switch, not shown, providespower to wall mountable charging base 202 via ordinary 120-volthousehold current. The base 202 may be wall mounted over or spaced inrelation to the AC wall outlet by any suitable mounting means, and arecess and/or power cord wrap or other means may be employed to stow anyexcess cord within the wall mountable charging base 202. In alternateembodiments, the power switch may be dispensed with.

As in the embodiment described above in connection with the descriptionof the FIGS. 1-16, each lamp module 204 is designed to be charged bymagnetic induction. Inductive magnetic coupling is provided by primaryand secondary coils, not shown, carried on the projections 206 of thecharging base and about the openings 208 of the lamp modules 204 whensupported by a respective one of the projections 206. Other couplingmeans such as mating electrical contacts or other means could beemployed without departing from the inventive concepts,

As in the embodiment described above in connection with the descriptionof the FIGS. 1-16, modules 204 are each designed to illuminate whenremoved from projections 206, or when AC power is cut off to wallmountable charging base 202, The wall mountable recharging base includesa first charge circuit responsive to supplied AC power to provide acharge signal and each lamp module includes a light emitting elementconnected to a rechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operativein one mode to charge the rechargeable battery pack in response to thecharge signal when each lamp module is supported by the wall mountablecharging base and operative in another mode to activate the lightemitting element in response to the absence of the charge signal,whereby, each lamp module lights if removed from the wall mountablerecharging base and lights if no AC power is supplied to the wallmountable recharging base when supported thereon.

A switch, not shown, may be provided to independently turn each lampmodule 204 on/off to conserve charge or to use the light as needed.

Referring now to FIG. 18, reference numeral 230 generally refers toanother exemplary embodiment of the rechargeable lamp system of thepresent invention. Lamp system 230 comprises a wall plug mountablecharging base generally designated 232 and a single lamp modulegenerally designated 234. The embodiment 230 is generally the same asthe embodiment 200 described above in connection with the description ofFIG. 17, except the wall plug mountable charging base 232 includesextending plug members 236 adapted to plug the base directly into astandard AC wall outlet.

Referring now to FIG. 19, reference numeral 250 generally refers toanother exemplary embodiment of the rechargeable lamp system of thepresent invention. Lamp system 250 comprises a carrier/charging basegenerally designated 252 and ten lamp modules generally designated 254.A cover 256, preferably translucent, is removably mounted by anysuitable means to the carrier/charging base 252 and a handle member 258,preferably of aluminum but which could be of other metal or material, isattached by any suitable means to be carrier/charging base 252. Thecover member 256 protects the lamp modules during charging, storage andtransit, and the handle member 258 provides for ease of transport. Thenumber of lamp modules shown in the preferred embodiment is intended tobe merely exemplary. It should be understood that the lamp system 250 ofthe present invention may be constructed with any number of modules.

Referring now to FIG. 20, reference numeral 270 generally shows apictorial view of one module-to-carrier/charging base interface. Unlikeinductive coupling employed for the hereinabove described embodiments,contacts 272 on carrier/charging base 252 cooperate with contacts 274 toprovide the charge signal to each lamp module 254 when supported on thecarrier/charging base 252. Spring-loaded arms 276 are provided to holdeach lamp module 254 when seated in receptacles generally designated 278provided therefore on the carrier/charging base 252. And on/off membraneswitch 280 (or other suitable means) is provided on each lamp module 254by which they may be independently turned on/off. A charging status LED282 for each module is provided on the carrier/charging base 252 thatlights when the associated lamp module 254 is fully charged. Seat sensorcontacts 284, 286 provides a seat signal used by each lamp module in amanner to be described to inhibit lighting of each lamp module whensupported on the carrier/charging base if no AC power is supplied. Theseat signal is preferably at ground potential, although any suitablesensor contact or other means providing any signal representative of alamp module being in supported condition could be employed withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts.

Referring now to FIG. 21, reference numeral 270 generally shows a blockdiagram of the carrier/charging base circuitry. As shown, an AC/DCconverter 272 responds to standard AC power to provide a charge signaloutput signal and the seat sensor 274 provides a seat signal at groundpotential. The AC/DC converter 272 preferably includes a timer to turnoff the charge signal after a predetermined time determined to provide afull charge for each rechargeable battery pack.

Referring now to FIG. 22, reference numeral 300 generally shows a blockdiagram of the lamp module circuitry. A charging circuit 302 regulatesthe voltage and current flowing to battery pack 304 (of each module) toprevent damage to battery pack 304. A latch circuit 306 cuts off currentto each lamp when the voltage output of battery pack 304 drops below apredetermined value, thus preventing damage to battery pack 304 whichcould be caused by fully draining battery pack 304. Latch circuit 306works in cooperation with a charge-sensing switch 308 to turn offcurrent to each lamp when current is detected in charging circuit 302 orwhen the seat signal is detected. A constant current source circuit 310provides a constant flow of current to each lamp. This enables the lampsto shine at a constant brightness despite fluctuations in the outputcurrent from battery pack 304. In alternate embodiments, a constantvoltage source could be employed.

Referring now to FIG. 23, reference numeral 330 generally refers toanother exemplary embodiment of the rechargeable lamp system of thepresent invention. Lamp system 330 comprises a charger generallydesignated 332 and four lamp modules generally designated 334. Thenumber of lamp modules shown in the preferred embodiment is intended tobe merely exemplary. It should be understood that the lamp system 330 ofthe present invention may be constructed with any number of modules.

As shown, the charger 332 comprises openings generally designated 336adapted to receive each lamp module 334 such that each lamp module issupported on surface 338, such as a tabletop, and walls 340 adapted toat least partially surround the base portion of each lamp module 334.The openings 336 and walls 340 are each of generally cylindricalgeometry, although another geometry may be employed without departingfrom the inventive concepts. As illustrated by arrow 342, the charger332 may be moved upwardly to remove it from the lamp modules 334 whilethey remain standing on the support 338. An elastomeric material may beprovided about the walls 340 and a support tray, not shown, may beemployed to carry the charger 332 and/or lamp modules 334.

As in the embodiment described above in connection with the descriptionof the FIGS. 1-16, each lamp module 334 is designed to be charged bymagnetic induction; inductive magnetic coupling is provided by primaryand secondary coils, not shown, carried within the walls 340 of thecharger 332 about the openings 336 of the charger 332 and base portionof the lamp modules 334. Other coupling means such as mating electricalcontacts or other means could be employed without departing from theinventive concepts.

As in the embodiment described above in connection with the descriptionof the FIGS. 1-16, modules 334 are each designed to illuminate when notreceived by charger 332, either when a lamp module is removed from thecharger or the charger removed from the lamp modules; or when AC poweris cut off to the charger 332. The charger 332 includes a first chargecircuit responsive to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal andeach lamp module includes a light emitting element connected to arechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode tocharge the rechargeable battery pack and de-light the light emittingelement in response to the charge signal when each lamp module isreceived by the charger and operative in another mode to activate thelight emitting element in response to the absence of the charge signal,whereby, each lamp module lights if removed from the charger or if thecharger is removed from the lamps or if no AC power is supplied to thecharger and de-lights when received thereby. The second circuit mayadvantageously be provided in the charger, in line with the charger, orin a power transformer appropriate for each country, or switching poweradapter, or otherwise provided without departing from the inventiveconcepts.

Referring now to FIG. 24, generally designated at 350 (FIG. 24A) is onepresently preferred luminary that provides ease of bulb and rechargeablebattery replacement. The luminary 350 includes a diffuser 352 manuallyreleasable from base member 354 as by manually rotating the diffuserrelative to the base as illustrated by arrow 356. A rechargeable battery358 (FIG. 24B) is manually releasable from base member 354 by pressingrelease fingers as illustrated by arrow 360 to detach batterycompartment 362 from the base member 354 and removing the rechargeablebattery 358 as shown by arrow 364 in FIG. 24C. One or more bulbs 366 aremanually releasable from bulb support 368 as illustrated by arrow 370(FIG. 24B). Light mechanical action may be employed involving ascrewdriver or other instrument and/or other bulb and replaceablebattery supports and mounts may be employed in alternative embodimentsto provide for easy bulb and/or battery replacement without departingfrom the inventive concepts.

The present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to thedescribed embodiments, and departures may be made therefrom withoutdeparting from the principles of the invention and without sacrificingits primary advantages. Obviously, numerous modifications may be made tothe present invention. Thus, the invention may be practiced otherwisethan as specifically described herein. One feature of one embodiment maybe employed in another disclosed embodiment. The power cord may be maderemovable to base placement without cord limitations. Othermodifications will be readily apparent to one of skill in the artwithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

1. An autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system providing soft, candle-like ambient lighting about indoor and outdoor locations, comprising: a portable charging stand removably supporting a set of luminaries removably supported on the portable charging stand, wherein the portable charging stand and set of luminaries supported on the portable charging stand are freely movable to any indoor and outdoor location, allowing each luminary of the set of luminaries removably supported on the charging stand to be individually removed and placed in the environment of that location; said portable charging stand removably supporting said set of luminaries including a charge circuit providing a charge signal to each luminary of said set of luminaries supported by said stand; each said luminary of said set of luminaries providing the illumination and ambience of candles without suffering their undesirable disadvantages of self-consumption, smoke, unintended extinguishment and wax buildup, each said luminary of said set of luminaries including an electric lamp of illumination corresponding to that of a candle, a rechargeable battery pack connected to said lamp and a housing in which the lamp and rechargeable battery pack are mounted, wherein said housing in which the lamp is mounted includes a diffuser having a size and shape resembling a hand holdable candle, and wherein said diffuser having a size and shape resembling a hand holdable candle has a translucence of such transmission and diffusion as to simulate the soft ambience of a glowing candle when the lamp within the housing is lit; and autoilluminating means coupled to each luminary of said set of luminaries and responsive to said charge signal for lighting said lamp of each luminary in response to non-detection of said charge signal, and for de-lighting said lamp of each luminary in response to detection of said charge signal, whereby, each said luminary of said set of luminaries lights if removed from said portable charging stand and de-lights if supported thereby.
 2. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 1, wherein said set includes one or more luminaries.
 3. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 1, wherein said each luminary includes a lamp receiving member adapated to provide easy replacement of said electric lamp, said lamp receiving member is adapted to allow manual insertion and removal of a replacement lamp without using an instrument.
 4. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 1, wherein said each luminary includes a rechargeable battery receiving member adapted to provide easy replacement of said rechargeable battery pack, said rechargeable battery pack receiving member is adapted to allow manual insertion and removal of a replacement rechargeable battery pack without using an instrument.
 5. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 1 whereby each said luminary of said set of luminaries supported by said portable charging stand lights in the absence of a charge signal.
 6. Autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system providing soft, candle-like ambient lighting about indoor and outdoor locations, comprising: a portable charging stand removably supporting a set of luminaries removably supported on the portable charging stand, wherein the portable charging stand and set of luminaries supported on the portable charging stand are freely movable to any indoor and outdoor location, allowing each luminary of the set of luminaries removably supported on the charging stand to be individually removed and placed in the environment of that location; said portable charging stand adapted to removably support said set of luminaries including a first circuit coupled to each luminary of said set of luminaries when supported thereon operative in response to supplied AC power to provide a charge signal to each luminary of said set of luminaries when supported thereon; each said luminary of said set of luminaries providing the illumination and ambience of candles without suffering their undesirable disadvantages of self-consumption, smoke, unintended extinguishment and wax buildup, each said luminary of said set of luminaries including a light emitting element of illumination corresponding to that of a and a housing in which the light emitting element is mounted, wherein said housing in which the light emitting element is mounted includes a diffuser having a size and shape resembling a hand holdable candle, and wherein said diffuser having a size and shape resembling a hand holdable candle has a translucence of such transmission and diffusion as to simulate the soft ambience of a glowing candle when the light emitting element within the housing is lit; a sensor to provide a seat signal representative that each luminary of said set of luminaries is supported on said portable charging stand; wherein each said light emitting element of each luminary of said set of luminaries is connected to a rechargeable battery pack via a second circuit operative in one mode to charge said rechargeable battery pack in response to said charge signal when each luminary of said set of luminaries is supported on said portable charging stand and operative in another mode to activate said light emitting element in response to the absence of said seat signal, whereby, each said luminary lights if removed from said portable charging stand, does not light if no AC power is supplied to said portable charging stand when supported thereon, and does not light if there is no charge signal when supported thereon.
 7. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 6, wherein said set includes one or more luminaries.
 8. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 6, further including a cover removably mounted to said charging base.
 9. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 6, further including a handle mounted to said portable charging stand adapted to allow the stand and luminary set to be hand carried.
 10. The autoilluminating rechargeable lamp system of claim 6, further including a switch mounted to at least one said luminary of said set of luminaries to independently turn it on/off. 